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Stutzman, DeSantis Absent from Planned Parenthood Letter

Neither is taking the pledge to reject spending bills that include funding for the group.

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Andrea Drusch

Aug. 27, 2015, 5:35 a.m.

“Senate candidates like” Reps. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) and Ron DeSantis (R-FL) are notably absent from a recess letter pledging to defund Planned Parenthood by opposing spending bills that include money for the group. “Both face competitive, multiway Republican primaries in their states. Both are taking care to position themselves as the most conservative candidate running for the GOP nomination.”

“While both DeSantis and Stutzman have spoken out against using tax dollars to fund Planned Parenthood after the release of undercover videos highlighting the use of fetal tissue in research, this year’s letter has not become the same litmus test of conservative bona fides that” an effort to defund Obamacare was two years ago.

“All this is happening against the backdrop of the 2013 government shutdown — and efforts by primary opponents in Florida and Indiana to call themselves more responsible Republican candidates.” (Hotline reporting)